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Posted on 31/05/05 00:06:39 AM |
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TC
* Posts: 6 Reply |
Help with Shadow Layers
Hello all, picked up the book last week, been reading the board for a few days. Good community. Many of the sections make references to making shadows on separate layers, and grouping them to others and things of that nature. On your files, the shadow layers are often times there already, simply turned off. However, it's never explained how to do it, and for the life of me, I can't figure it out. A few examples: The cards (pg. 20), and the Psion and the hand (pg. 34.) Thanks in advance for your help! |
Posted on 31/05/05 03:39:20 AM |
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Einstein D Kid
Teen Trickster Posts: 281 Reply  |
Re: Help with Shadow Layers
Assuming I understand your question correctly, I think you need to make a new layer and then paint black (or some other color) wherever you want there to be a shadow (lowering the opacity of the new layer, of course). Alternatively, you could duplicate the layer you want the shadow of, lock transparency, fill with black (or other color), lower opacity, and then use the transform tools to place it wherever you want it. As for grouping layers, (keep in mind its called making a clipping mask in CS). Assuming the layer that you want to restrict is called layer 1 and the one you want it restricted by called layer 2, make sure that layer 1 is directly in front of layer 2, and then, while selecting layer 1, go into Layers->Create a clipping mask (or group layer). it should then restrict layer one to only being seen where it overlaps layer 2. I hope that helps. _________________ Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger. |
Posted on 31/05/05 08:22:18 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 6846 Reply  |
Re: Help with Shadow Layers
TC, First - welcome to the forum. The shadows are painted on a new layer. If you want a shadow on an object, this layer should be grouped/clipping masked (terminology depends on the version of PS you're using) with the underlying layer. If you're using a mouse, choose a soft-edged brush, set to a low opacity - around 20% - and build up the shadow in small stages. If you're using a tablet, don't press too hard! Hope this helps, and thanks, Einstein for the concise explanation. |
Posted on 31/05/05 5:33:48 PM |
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TC
* Posts: 6 Reply |
Re: Help with Shadow Layers
Thanks guys! For some reason I had interpreted it to mean that that I need to use Drop Shadow from an object on one layer, to affect another layer... which obviously does not work. Glad to be here.  |